Mazda CX-3 – What you need to know

The Mazda CX-3 is moving into the twilight years of its first generation, having launched in Australia during 2015 and receiving several upgrades since then.

Sold alongside the slightly larger CX-30, the Mazda CX-3 has become one of Australia’s most popular small SUVs, and to keep things ticking along the Japanese car-maker has made further changes with a variety of styling tweaks and equipment updates – and a rationalised range.

Arriving in showrooms from September 2023, the latest Mazda CX-3 range covers five model grades, from the entry-level Sport, followed by the Pure, then Evolve and Touring SP, before topping out with the Akari. Prices range from $26,800 to $38,620 plus on-road costs.

All CX-3 models use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

So, which one satisfies your wants and needs within your budget?

Kicking off at $26,800 plus ORCs is the Sport with the following standard features:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• 8.0-inch infotainment touch-screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/wired Android Auto
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Air-conditioning
• Cruise control

Seven colours make up the Mazda CX-3 exterior palette and are available on all models, with three costing an extra $620.

Additionally, the newly introduced Aero Grey, along with existing metallic hues Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Grey and Soul Red Crystal can be combined with the black roof of the Touring SP model.

The Mazda CX-3 now includes some of the Japanese car-maker’s latest safety and driver assist tech.

All models come with front and rear collision warning including front pedestrian detection, emergency brake assist, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, a reversing camera and blind spot monitoring.

There’s also hill launch assist, ABS brakes, electronic stability and traction control, along with six airbags – dual front, front side and curtain airbags.

Taking a step up to the Pure adds a head-up display, as well as driver attention alert, lane departure warning and auto on/off LED headlights with auto high beam (replacing the halogen headlights in the Sport).

Rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED tail-lights and LED daytime running lights also come standard on the Pure.

Settling for the Evolve adds front parking sensors to the standard safety features, while the Touring SP includes traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function.

If you want the whole safety arsenal, sign up for the Akari which gains a 360-degree camera and adaptive LED headlights.

The Mazda CX-3 previously qualified for a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but that was awarded back when the car was launched in 2015. Testing protocols have moved on since then, so the CX-3 currently goes unrated.

A multi-function controller is fitted to all Mazda CX-3 models to operate the 8.0-inch colour touch-screen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, as well as AM/FM and digital radio.

Buttons for the hands-free Bluetooth phone and audio are on the steering wheel.

All models come with internet radio integration for Stitcher and Aha, an audio jack and USB port.

Satellite navigation is introduced on the Pure, and while the Sport, Pure, Evolve and Touring SP make do with a six-speaker stereo, exclusive to the Akari is a Bose premium audio system piped through seven speakers.

Apart from the entry-level Sport, all Mazda CX-3 variants have a fold-down arm rest in the rear seat.

The Sport and Pure have black cloth seat trim, but taking a step up to the Evolve sees the interior enhanced with white leatherette and synthetic tan suede.

Stepping up further to the Touring SP snares you black leather and grand luxe suede with blue highlights throughout the cabin, and if you want black leather make a beeline for the Akari.

What about powered seats? Head to the Touring SP as a minimum for its 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two memory settings, adjustable lumbar support and heating function (the latter included on the front passenger seat, too).

Apart from the Sport, all Mazda CX-3s have a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever.

All Mazda CX-3 models score body-colour door handles, a chrome exhaust tip, green tinted windows, rear spoiler, power windows, auto-folding power door mirrors and a rear wiper.

Gloss black door mirrors are found on the Evolve and Touring SP, with the latter including a heating function, while on the Sport and Pure the door mirrors are body-coloured.

Thanks to the latest update, alloy wheels are now standard on every Mazda CX-3 with 16-inch rims gracing the Sport and Pure, then growing to 18-inch on the Evolve, Touring SP and Akari. All models have a temporary spare.

Distinguishing the Touring SP from the rest is its black roof, gloss black grille and black machined alloy wheels.

Is a sunroof a deal maker? Head to the Akari and its tilt-and-slide powered sunroof.

All models have a 60/40-split folding rear seat. There’s also an ambient temperature display, cup holders and door bottle holders, among a variety of storage solutions.

How do you like your air-conditioning? The Mazda CX-3 Sport has air-con, but taking a step up to the Pure gives you the benefit of a climate control system. It also has the added convenience of a sunglasses holder.

Whichever Mazda CX-3 model you go for, all are front-wheel drive and have a six-speed automatic transmission.

Power from the 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder ‘G20’ petrol engine peaks at 110kW, with maximum torque at 195Nm.

While the latest Mazda CX-3 benefits from several feature, tech, safety and styling upgrades, its dimensions haven’t changed, with all models measuring 4275mm long and 1535mm high.

They all rest on the same 2570mm wheelbase.

The Sport, Pure and Evolve are 1765mm wide, while the Touring SP and Akari balloon out to 1780mm.

Kerb weight varies from 1294kg to 1306kg, depending on the model.

The maximum braked towing capacity is 1535kg on all models, with an unbraked trailer allowed 655kg (except the Akari which can cart another 20kg).

Cargo capacity in the Mazda CX-3 with the rear seat up and loaded to the cargo cover is 264 litres for all models except the Akari, which shrinks to 231L. Folding the seat down and loading the CX-3 to the roof expands the capacity to 1174 litres on all models bar the Akari and its 1141 litres.

Zippy and fun to drive around town, on winding roads and highways, the Mazda CX-3 offers plenty at all grade levels.

If I was on a bargain buying mission, I’d skip the entry-level Sport and settle on the Pure for its extra features at not too steep a price increase over the base model.

But if the dollars weren’t quite as tight give me the Touring SP and its long list of safety, tech, comfort and convenience features.

How much does the 2023 Mazda CX-3 cost?
Sport – $26,800
Pure – $29,300
Evolve – $31,050
Touring SP – $34,300
Akari – $38,620
*Prices exclude on-road costs